Google’s Pixel Buds 2a Have Near-Pro-Level Specs, but Cost Much Less
Last year, Google released the Pixel Buds 2 Pro , which were a welcome respite for those tired of Apple’s stick-style earbuds . While the earbuds featured the same active noise cancellation and easy pairing that users have come to expect from premium earbuds, as well as a pretty attractive price tag that has only gotten lower over time (they’re now $61 cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2), the standout feature here was the new stabilizing mechanism that let you lock the earbuds in place by twisting them once you’ve inserted them into your ears. Now, as is tradition, Google is releasing a budget version of them, which is great news for all fans of the Pixel Bud A-series, as the company’s previous budget earbuds are now out of stock on popular sites like Best Buy and Amazon .
The Pixel Buds 2a bring noise-cancelling to your home for less.
Just like Google did with the Pixel Buds Pro, there’s now a cheaper version of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro called the Pixel Buds 2a. And just like Apple did with the AirPods 4 , these earbuds are a major upgrade over Google’s previous budget models. That’s right: They have active noise cancellation and a swivel mechanism for a comfortable fit.
That’s enough that to the average listener, they’ll sound virtually identical to the Pixel Buds 2 Pro, but they also have the same Tensor A1 chip that powers the new app’s customizable 5-band equalizer.
The biggest losses compared to the Pro model? Shorter battery life (about one to three hours less, depending on whether you use noise cancellation), fewer microphones, and the lack of accelerometers and gyroscopes for tracking fitness. However, touch controls are still there, and the speakers that provide sound are the same size as the Pro version (11 mm).
The charging case also has a smaller capacity, offering 20 hours of listening time instead of the Pro’s 30, and lacks a speaker. But the base version is still pretty similar to the pricier one. The battery is now replaceable, either by Google (if covered under warranty) or by yourself. Google says it will sell replacement parts for five years after the product’s end of life, and that no glue or heat is required for replacement.
The only real downside is that the Pixel Buds 2a are more expensive than their predecessors. (More on that below.)
Free software updates for Pixel Buds 2 Pro and a new color
To help the Pixel Buds 2 Pro stand out from their cheaper counterparts, Google is adding a few new features via software updates. Since the 2 Pro runs on the same chip as the 2a, I don’t see why most of these features need to be reserved for the pricier model, but money talks.
First, there’s ear protection. While Google’s pro Pixel Buds already tout “ Adaptive Sound ,” which intelligently adjusts volume based on whether you’re in a quiet or noisy environment, the Pixel Buds 2 Pro will now get “Adaptive Sound” with intelligent active noise cancellation. Also new is Loud Noise Protection, which kicks in to muffle specific loud sounds, like a passing train. Previously, Adaptive Sound was primarily focused on long-term noise.
Secondly, there are additional options for using accelerometers and gyroscopes that are not available in the A-series models. With the new update, Google will allow you to answer calls with a nod or even start a voice response in a message.
Finally, Google really wants you to use Gemini with these earbuds. Since Gemini Live, the company’s speech-to-speech AI chatbot, can now interact with Google apps like Keep or Calendar, Google suggests using the Pixel Buds 2 Pro to plan your day while you’re walking. That’s nothing new, but the company says Gemini’s conversations with the Buds 2 Pro will soon adapt to your environment, allowing you to have AI-powered conversations even in noisy environments.
All of these updates are planned for September, although the exact date is still unknown.
Prices and availability
As I mentioned, the Pixel Bud 2 Pro costs the same as the previous model, but the Pixel Bud 2a has gone up in price from $99 to $129. For the new pro-grade features, I think that’s a fair price, though the lack of cheaper options is a bit of a letdown given how hard it is to find the older A-series Pixel Buds.
Pixel Buds 2a are available in black (walnut) and purple (iris) and are available for pre-order now. Shipping starts on October 9.
Also, if you don’t have the Pixel Buds 2 Pro yet, Google is releasing a new gray and black colorway for them called Moonstone. They’re available now, but they’re priced at $229, like the Pixel Buds 2 Pro, as opposed to the more common $189 price tag for existing models.